Dining Over the Divide: An Meeting Among Opposing Viewpoints
Meeting the Participants
One Participant: Peter, 34, from London
Profession Former civil servant, currently a student studying public health
Voting record Voted the Green Party last time (also a affiliate of the political group); formerly Labour Party. Describes himself as “progressive, and globalist rather than nationalist”
Amuse bouche A sketch of a teacup Peter created as a kid was once hung in the Irish National Gallery
Other Diner: Akshat, 43, from Harrow
Profession Risk analyst in the infrastructure industry
Voting record Hailing from India, he has lived in the UK for half a decade, and supported Conservative. Describes himself as “slightly moderate right”
Interesting fact Akshat self-learned to understand the Urdu language. “It has no practical use for me, I simply found it intriguing”
Initial impressions
The first participant Over the last two decades, I’ve lived and worked in Qatar, South Korea, the United States. The issues Peter and I discussed are focused on Britain, but they are also global, because human life more or less evolve similarly wherever it is. I was expecting someone very liberal, but he was quite measured – we engaged in a productive, logical conversation. I had a couple of beers, Peter had mojitos.
Peter We split starters – fishy spring rolls, steamed buns, radish cakes with sprouts, which were excellent. I felt somewhat anxious, as I think he was too. Was he going to attack me for being a snowflake? We each have immigrant backgrounds. My childhood was in Dublin; I’ve lived in the United States and the Iberian Peninsula. We connected through our affection for London.
Key disagreements
Akshat I look at migration like sprinkling salt to a meal. With a small amount, the dish tastes wonderful. Add too little or too much and the meal is either too bland or too salty.
Peter Akshat had a metaphor about seasoning. It would be odd to exist if the state was choosing some preferred demographic of the country.
Akshat There are, unfortunately, people fleeing persecution, but many people coming to the United Kingdom are those seeking better finances who may not contribute much and can weigh on the benefit system. No one compels you to move to a new country for prospects, so you ought to relocate if you are able to support your own needs and your family.
Peter We got lost with some of the facts. In my view it’s like you come over and are employed and then after five years you obtain permanent citizenship. No process is guaranteed. It’s been a hostile environment since Theresa May, application costs are quite expensive, you pay an healthcare levy, eligibility for support is restricted. The red carpet isn’t rolled out for anyone. And concerning the recent changes, under which you can’t bring your family over, it is astonishing to state: we desire your labor, but we reject you as a person. I believe we have to have a degree of humanity.
Sharing plate
The first participant Peter’s sceptical of unchecked capitalism. I am, too, but at the same time, economic growth benefits society and should be encouraged.
Peter We’re both internationalist. And we concurred that some parts of society – government, the media – thrive off creating conflict. We did find common ground in basic principles and values.
Dessert and debate
The first participant Peter is of the opinion that since the United Kingdom profited from colonial times, it should pay reparations to those countries. My view is simply: it is unfair to assess the past with contemporary ethics; times are different, modern people were not responsible of events 50 or 100 years ago. Let’s say the UK had to compensate the Indian nation, it would be a huge amount of funds. Is Britain able to manage that? No.
The second participant Until recently, I believe there was much reckoning with the colonial past. For example, upon my arrival to the UK, the public weren’t aware of the Great Famine and the part that imperial rule played in it. I hold that decolonisation isn’t just about issuing payments, it ought to involve examining past errors and our current responsibilities.
Takeaways
Akshat It may not alter the way I think, but I understand Peter’s concerns. I converse with people regularly whose views are contrary to mine. It’s about uniting people to the same page, so that everyone can work towards the improvement of society.
The second participant We remained for 150 minutes. Akshat had dessert and I had some sweet Japanese wine. I didn’t persuade him of anything, but we both enjoyed the meal, so we might become more open to engaging in dialogues with others in the coming times.
